Grant Awarded to Glen Lake Fire Department!

We just wanted to share with everyone that our department has been awarded a grant for just over nine thousand dollars to put toward an 800mhz radio system for our fire rescue boat.  The funds were awarded to Glen Lake Fire Department from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians 2 percent gaming allocation grant.  The grant, which was prepared by Firefighter Douglas Lake, will help improve communications while on water and shore responses throughout the coverage area of the Department which includes a great portion of Lake Michigan shoreline as well as responses throughout the National Lakeshore, including the Manitou Islands.

Not only will communications on the vessel for crew members be improved with the new system, but communications with other agencies including the United States Coast Guard, Leelanau Sheriff's Department and other fire departments will be improved as well.  The system includes headsets for all crew members which will serve to improve both safety and communications.  In the high noise environments frequently encountered, clear communications is a must.  The headsets will allow for all crew members to clearly hear what the other members are seeing, encountering, and saying in the event of a water based emergency.

For more information on this year's Grand Traverse Band 2 percent gaming allocation grants

Firefighter Douglas Lake accepting the grant from Grand Traverse Band representatives.

Bicycle and Roadway Safety

With the wonderful weather and beautiful views that we have to offer, there have been countless cyclists in the area on a daily basis.  We just wanted to offer a few quick tips on roadway safety around cyclists.

• Cyclists have the right to the road and actually belong on the roadway, not on sidewalks.
• When coming up on a cyclist, please remember to use caution, and when possible give them an extra few feet in case they have an issue and have to swerve out in to the lane.
• Sharp corners and hills offer special challenges to all roadway users- please slow down and be sure that lanes are clear before attempting to pass bicycles or other traffic.

And now a few tips for the cyclists too

• Remember to wear a helmet, they have been proven to reduce the risk of serious injury and concussions in the event of a fall.
• Please ride in a single file line along trails and roadways when approaching areas of limited visibility and when there are other vehicles around. 
• Bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws as cars- Stop at stop signs, signal for your turns, and use caution at all intersections as bikes can sometimes be difficult to see depending on the light and weather conditions.
• The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a very beautiful loop running from Empire all the way to Glen Arbor. Not only will the trail keep you safe from motorized traffic, but it offers scenic views and unique riding challenges as well.

We hope that everyone is enjoying their summer, stay safe and have fun!